**International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI)** is celebrated annually on **September 28th**. This day highlights the importance of access to information as a fundamental human right and its crucial role in promoting transparency, accountability, and sustainable development. IDUAI advocates for the right of all individuals to access information held by public bodies, emphasizing the significance of this right in building inclusive, democratic societies.
### **Significance**
- IDUAI promotes the **right to information** as a key element in enabling people to make informed decisions, participate in governance, and hold authorities accountable.
- It emphasizes the role of access to information in achieving the **United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)**, particularly **Goal 16**, which focuses on promoting **peaceful and inclusive societies**, providing access to **justice for all**, and building effective, accountable institutions.
- The day highlights the need for public institutions to **publish information proactively** and to establish effective systems for people to request and receive information.
### **History**
- The observance was first initiated by **UNESCO**, which has long advocated for the right to information as a tool for empowerment and transparency.
- In **2015**, UNESCO and its partners celebrated the first IDUAI, recognizing the importance of access to information in sustainable development.
- In **2019**, the **UN General Assembly** adopted a resolution proclaiming September 28th as the official **International Day for Universal Access to Information**, reinforcing its commitment to transparency and democratic governance worldwide.
### **Themes**
Each year, IDUAI focuses on a specific theme to highlight particular aspects of access to information. Recent themes have included:
- **“Access to Information in Times of Crisis”** (2020): Addressing the need for accurate and timely information during emergencies such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
- **“The Right to Know – Building Back Better with Access to Information”** (2021): Focusing on how access to information supports recovery and resilience in post-crisis situations.
### **Importance of Access to Information**
- **Empowers Citizens**: Access to information allows individuals to make informed decisions, understand their rights, and engage effectively in public affairs.
- **Promotes Transparency**: It helps reduce **corruption** and strengthens **accountability** in governance by ensuring that public institutions operate openly.
- **Supports Development Goals**: Information access is vital for **sustainable development**, as it facilitates **education**, **healthcare**, **economic opportunities**, and **environmental protection**.
### **How It Is Observed**
- **Conferences and Workshops**: Organizations, governments, and advocacy groups host events such as **seminars**, **roundtable discussions**, and **workshops** to raise awareness about the importance of access to information.
- **Campaigns and Public Events**: Public awareness campaigns and activities are organized to educate communities about their right to information and how they can exercise this right.
- **Digital Campaigns**: Social media platforms are used to promote the day’s message with hashtags like **#AccessToInformation** and **#IDUAI**, encouraging discussions about the value of transparency and information access.
### **Actions You Can Take on IDUAI**
- **Promote Information Literacy**: Learn about your rights regarding access to information and share resources that help others understand how to obtain information from public bodies.
- **Advocate for Transparency**: Support policies and organizations that promote transparency and openness in government and public institutions.
- **Engage with Public Information Platforms**: Use online platforms that provide public access to government information, such as open data portals and official websites, to stay informed and involved in your community.
### **Interesting Facts About Access to Information**
1. Over **120 countries** have adopted **freedom of information (FOI)** laws that guarantee the public's right to access information held by public authorities.
2. Access to information has proven essential in **disaster response** and **health crises**, providing citizens with accurate, life-saving information.
3. Digital technology and online platforms have expanded access to information, but challenges like **digital divides** and **information literacy** remain.
### **Why IDUAI Matters**
- **Strengthens Democracy**: In democratic societies, access to information empowers citizens to hold governments accountable and participate meaningfully in decision-making processes.
- **Facilitates Good Governance**: Transparency in public administration ensures that policies and decisions are made openly and that resources are managed efficiently.
- **Protects Human Rights**: Access to information supports other fundamental rights, such as **freedom of expression**, **education**, and **health**, by providing the knowledge necessary to advocate for these rights effectively.
### **Timeline of IDUAI**
- **2015**: UNESCO and partners observe the first International Day for Universal Access to Information.
- **2016**: UNESCO begins to engage with countries to support the implementation of access to information policies as part of the SDGs.
- **2019**: The UN General Assembly officially adopts September 28th as the International Day for Universal Access to Information.
- **2020**: IDUAI focuses on access to information in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing the importance of transparency during crises.
International Day for Universal Access to Information is a reminder of the power of knowledge and transparency. By advocating for the right to access information, the day promotes a more informed, empowered, and engaged global community.
Комментарии